"As Christians, it is our calling and duty to give a voice to the voiceless, and to bear witness to their dignity, so that the world may know their suffering and be moved to advocate for justice and compassion."

Catholic Bishop's of England and Wales Holy Land Co-ordination 2026

“Come and see! Stay in a family’s guesthouse, shop at local businesses, sit with communities facing emigration. When you do this, you are saying what they need to hear: 'We see you. You are not alone. We have not forgotten.”

Cardinal Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem

In January 2025, just before the ceasefire, Mike O'Brien went to see the Holy Land for himself.

"I travelled alone and visited Jerusalem and Bethlehem. It was a deeply moving experience and I felt safe throughout, but there were times when it felt I was the only one there. The locals I met relished the opportunity to talk and it was fascinating to hear their different experiences. However, on one topic they were unanimous: without the return of pilgrims they would not survive. And to those who care about their future and about the future peace of the Holy Land, their message was clear"